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Roe Estuary Nature Reserve

Nature reserves are chosen from among the very best examples of our wildlife, habitats and geology. They contain a wide range of species, communities and geology and their designation is a public recognition by Government of their importance.

Designation

Grid Reference: C 635295

Description

From a distance, the mud flats of the Roe Estuary exposed at low tide appear dull and lifeless - but underneath they hide a secret. Concealed by the mud are vast numbers of small seashore animals such as lugworms, shrimps, ragworms and periwinkles. There are also large beds of mussels and extensive areas covered in a plant known as eel-grass. All these are the food sources that act as a magnet for many of the thousands of migrating waders, ducks, swans and geese that stop over on Lough Foyle each winter.

Inside the railway bridge is an area of salt marsh vegetation - a habitat not common locally. Here you can watch the lapwing's aerobatic display in early summer, or hear the plaintive cry of the curlew on a misty autumn morning. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of an otter hunting crabs in the shallow pools.

Access to the salt marsh area inside the railway bridge is restricted as it is managed as a wildlife refuge. Here we wish to keep disturbance to a minimum.

Around high tide, good views of the birds can be had from the car park without causing too much disturbance to the flocks. Crossing either the railway line or bridge is not permitted.

Facilities

Car park at end of public road.

Please note, there are no formal paths and soft mud on the shore can be dangerous.